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We have a soft spot for family owned / independent distilleries and Springbank happens to be Scotland's oldest, having established in 1828.
The distillery is now in the hands of the 5th generation of the Mitchell family (current Chairman, Hedley G. Wright, is Mitchell’s great, great grandson). The Springbank distillery produces three different Scotch single malts: Longrow (most peated, distilled 2x), Hazelburn (no peat, distilled 3x) and Springbank (light peated, distilled 2.5 times). Meanwhile, the Kilkerran is produced from a sister distillery, Mitchell’s Glengyle.
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We also had the pleasure of meeting Fiona McFadyen from J&A Mitchell who took us through the history of the distillery and explained that the family insists on keeping to traditional whisky production methods which is fully carried out at the distillery. While this may not be the most efficient method, it does give them full control over the quality of the whisky - this also explains why supply is quite limited.
Official profile notes:
Springbank 10, 46% ABV, 60% Bourbon, 40% Sherry
Nose: A gentle Kintyre coastal breeze, redolent with damp peat, identifies this as one of Campbeltown’s finest. Fresh orchard fruit, orange zest, heather and honey combine with malt and vanilla notes to offer a warm welcome to Springbank’s flagship malt.
Palate: Equal measures of complexity and robustness with an oily mouthfeel and plenty of spice, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. The orchard fruit and malt notes from the nose continue, providing balance and character.
Finish: Sweet salted caramel, toffee and drying peat prolong to round off this signature malt.Hazelburn 10, 46% ABV, 100% Bourbon
Nose: An initial temptation of manuka honeycomb, vanilla and fudge melt away to reveal stewed pears, baked apples, crumble topping and nougat.
Palate: The triple distillation ensures this is a smooth and elegant dram, with the bourbon maturation providing rich vanilla and milk chocolate flavours alongside refreshing honey and zest notes.
Finish: A refined milk chocolate and creamy finish which gently fades away, allowing enough time to refill your glass and repeat.
Longrow Peated, 46% ABV, Bourbon and Sherry Casks
Nose: Very creamy, vanilla custard. The smoke develops gradually, rather than overpowering the other aromas present. Toasted marshmallows, herbs and rich fruits appear over time.
Palate: Incredibly well balanced; rich and creamy with a slight medicinal hint. The smoke is always present, washing over the palate in waves, like the soft billows of smoke from the Kiln.
Finish: The gentle smoke lingers and lingers leaving you yearning for more.
Kilkerran 12 year old, 46% ABVm 70% ex-bourbon, 30% ex-sherry
Nose: oak notes are dominant, followed by toasted marshmallows and dried fruit pudding, as well as cherries, marzipan and a hint of peat
Palate: initially fruity with citrus notes and orange peel, after this: vanilla, butterscotch,
honeycomb and digestive biscuits can all be tasted and enjoyedFinish: velvet and smooth with lemon meringue, to conclude, there’s an oiliness and a saltiness that you’d expect from a Campbeltown dram
Which variant is your favourite? I hate to choose but if you put a gun to my head, it'll be Springbank's peated salted caramel flavours that gets me.
Single Malt Bhd (aka Single & Available Whisky Shop) brings these into Malaysia so hop on to their online and their retail shop at BSC or other whisky specialty shops near you to get your grubby little hands on these babies before they run out of stock - don't say we #bojio!
For reservationst: +60 11 - 1470 2245
